The Canadian Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacteria Registry: a study protocol.

Background: Bronchiectasis is a complex, chronic disease with geographic and ethnic diversity. While the most substantial cohort studies have been conducted in Europe and the USA, Canada also faces considerable challenges. The comprehensive Canadian Bronchiectasis and Nontuberculous Mycobacterial (NTM) Registry aims to 1) outline the clinical characteristics and natural history of bronchiectasis in Canada, 2) identify risk factors contributing to disease progression within Canadians, 3) integrate comprehensive clinical information to better understand the phenotypes of bronchiectasis and 4) support the development of large-scale, randomised controlled trials in Canada.

The respiratory microbiome and nontuberculous mycobacteria: an emerging concern in human health.

Nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) are diverse microbial species encompassing commensals and pathogens with the ability to cause pulmonary disease in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised individuals. In contrast to , which has seen a reduction in disease rates in developed countries, the incidence and prevalence of NTM disease is increasing. NTM are difficult to treat with standard antimicrobial regimens and may contain both virulence and antibiotic-resistance genes with potential for pathogenicity.

Management of Drug Toxicity in Mycobacterium avium Complex Pulmonary Disease: An Expert Panel Survey.

Adverse events are frequent in nontuberculous mycobacteria pulmonary disease treatment, but evidence to support their management is scarce. An expert panel survey on management of adverse events shows consistent opinions on management of hepatoxicity, ocular toxicity, ototoxicity, tinnitus, and gastrointestinal upset. These opinions can provide assistance in individual patient management decisions.

Is Universal Screening Necessary? Incidence of Tuberculosis among Tibetan Refugees Arriving in Calgary, Alberta.

. Canadian policy requires refugees with a history of tuberculosis (TB) or abnormal chest radiograph to be screened after arrival for TB. However, Tibetan refugees are indiscriminately screened, regardless of preimmigration assessment.

Long-term Follow-up of Mycobacterium avium Complex Lung Disease in Patients Treated With Regimens Including Clofazimine and/or Rifampin.

Background: Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease requires prolonged treatment with multiple antibiotics. Drug intolerances and interactions are common with the current recommended treatment. There is limited information on outcomes with alternative medications.

New treatment options for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Despite the development of effective treatments, tuberculosis (TB) remains a major health problem. TB continues to infect new victims and kills nearly 2 million people annually. The problem is much greater in resource-limited countries but is present worldwide.

Clinical and microbiologic outcomes in patients receiving treatment for Mycobacterium abscessus pulmonary disease.

Background: Mycobacterium abscessus can produce a chronic pulmonary infection for which little is known regarding optimal treatment and long-term outcomes.

Methods: We performed a retrospective observational study (2001-2008) including all patients who met American Thoracic Society criteria for M. abscessus pulmonary disease.

High incidence of hospital admissions with multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis among South African health care workers.

Background: Nosocomial transmission has been described in extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) and HIV co-infected patients in South Africa. However, little is known about the rates of drug-resistant tuberculosis among health care workers in countries with high tuberculosis and HIV burden.

Objective: To estimate rates of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and XDR-TB hospitalizations among health care workers in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) among health care workers in South Africa.

Summary Objective: To determine the clinical profile and outcomes of health care workers (HCWs) with extensively drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) in the Eastern and Western Cape Provinces of South Africa.

Method: Retrospective case record review of 334 patients with XDR-TB reported during the period 1996-2008 from Western and Eastern Cape Province, Cape Town, South Africa. Case records of HCWs with XDR-TB were analysed for clinical and microbiological features, and treatment outcomes.

Early treatment outcomes and HIV status of patients with extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis in South Africa: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Data from Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, suggest that almost all patients with extensively drug-resistant (XDR) tuberculosis are HIV-positive, with a fatal outcome. Since, there are few data for the treatment-related outcomes of XDR tuberculosis in settings with a high HIV prevalence, we investigated the associations of these diseases in such settings to formulate recommendations for control programmes.

Methods: In a retrospective cohort study, we analysed the case records of patients (>16 years old) with XDR tuberculosis (culture-proven at diagnosis) between August, 2002, and February, 2008, at four designated provincial treatment facilities in South Africa.

Neurological complications of infliximab.

The use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a) therapies has led to improved outcomes in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the use of these new therapeutic agents requires careful monitoring for adverse effects. We describe 3 patients who developed neurological disease closely associated with the use of infliximab, a monoclonal antibody that binds to and inactivates TNF-a.